Although currently under construction, the Great Southern Adventure will serve as the ultimate southern to-do list - from mom and pop restaurants to bizarre roadside attractions, from regal hotels to once in a life time experiences - I'll check them off one by one and blog about them as I go!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

1. Paint a picture, quote, or anything really on a small canvas. Make it something small enough to finish in one afternoon.2. Blast beach music while doing housework.3. Lay out in a beach chair and read a magazine or book, even if just for an hour.4. Make a summery dinner. Try making something similar to what you'd order at a restaurant on the beach.5. Bake something easy and fun. Only make one dish and make sure it doesn't take hours of prep or hard work.6. Mix up a pitcher of your favorite warm weather drink (Margaritas, Sangria, Iced Tea, etc.)7. Give yourself a pedicure in a bright cheery color.8. Take your dogs for a long leisurely walk around the neighborhood.9. Treat yourself to a bubble bath complete with tropical scented candles.10. Unplug for an hour. Turn off all your and hand-held devices and take to the backyard. Layout on a beach towel and block out all distractions and nagging thoughts.11. Take a nap. Try putting your pillowcase in the freezer beforehand for a little something extra.12.Rent a fun, summer movie - Mamma Mia, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Dirty Dancing13. Be a kid. Have ice cream for dinner.14. Eat dinner outside at home. Have a picnic complete with sandwiches, chips & dip, cookies, and lemonade.15. Don't feel like cooking? Have dinner at a restaurant that has an outdoor dining space. Take your time. Pretend you're on vacation.16. Blow bubbles.17. Go see a band play at the Blue Moon Saloon . At the bar, order your favorite Abita Beer.18. Grab a snowball from the local snowball stand and enjoy eating it outside.19. Don't have an outdoor spa? Fill a baby pool with warm water and relax in your "hot tub."20. Have a small group (2-3 people) over for dinner. Have each person bring one of their favorite summer side dishes or beverage.21. Set up a sprinkler system in your yard for watering flowerbeds, lawns, or trees. Just so happen to have your swimsuit on under your clothes.22. Have a "Make Your Own Pizza" Night. Get toppings you love, roll out canned pizza dough, and have a blast.23. Redecorate with summer in mind. Switch out your usual pillows, change curtains to light sheers in bright colors, and replace a few framed photos with photos from a fun vacation.24. Designate one day a week for vacation-wear. Break out your favorite tourist-y clothes that you'd normally save for vacation - a bright colored skirt, beaded sandals, flower in your hair, whatever makes you feel sassy.25. Have a dog wash outdoors. Gather your dogs and bathe them without caring how wet or dirty you get.